TWO men have been arrested in connection with the attempted theft of a vehicle and a robbery.

Mohammed Butt, 27, of Empress Avenue, Ilford, and Saqib Chaudhary, 34, of York Road, Ilford, were both charged with an attempted theft of a Mercedes in Broadhurst Place, Basildon, on Friday, January 27.

Chaudhary was also charged with one count of robbery after a Mercedes CLA220 Sport was taken in Danes Way, Pilgrims Hatch, on Sunday, February 5.

They were both arrested on Saturday, February 11, and were due to appear at Basildon Magistrates Court yesterday, Monday, February 13.

We would like to remind people who are advertising vehicles for sale that they should take precautions when meeting potential buyers.

This may include ensuring another person is present with you when they view the vehicle.

You should park your vehicle on a driveway and block its path with another vehicle and ask to see their identity documents, including their driving licence and proof of insurance.

Always request a deposit before allowing a test drive.

Anyone with more information about car crime should call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.